From the outside, Stradom House’s facade blends in seemlessly with Krakow’s Renaissance-style architecture – but its interiors are far from traditional. Minimalist stone walls, curved ceilings and muted tones lead through to a cosy and inviting lobby – hints of art deco are sprinkled throughout the hotel and vintage furniture pays homage to Polish heritage.
It may even feel like a boutique hotel, but with 125 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, six working spaces, and a gym and spa, you soon realise this hotel is bigger than it feels. Built on the site of a former covent, one of its most special features is the cocktail bar, inside the old chapel space, with huge, sloping curved walls
Why stay at Stradom House?
The building’s history is enough to make you want to visit. A former 14th century church and monastery, elements of the past seep seamlessly into the hotel. You can sip a cocktail under the grand ceiling of the original church, or drink wine surrounded by exposed brickwork from the old medieval monastery. But somehow, despite its heritage, Stradom House still manages to feel fresh and modern, with curved stone ceilings and over 70 contemporary artworks by Polish and international artists including Wilhelm Sasnal, Jonas Wood and Katherine Bradford.
If that doesn’t convince you, the spa will. Designed by cosmetics legend Alexandra Soveral, and featuring her exclusive treatments and custom-made warm oak toiletries, Sól Spa offers pure indulgence. The hotel is also Green Key certified for its sustainability efforts.
What are the rooms like at Stradom House?
The rooms, like the rest of the hotel, have an art deco edge with a baby blue and coral palette, patterned furniture and a homey vibe. With every room featuring an upholstered vintage armchair and an old school Roberts radio on the bedside table, the name Heritage Room really shines through here. Of course, modern comfort is standard; a cloud-like king size bed occupies the centre of the room, a sofa sits at the end of the bed and a flatscreen TV hangs on the wall above the desk space. The 1920s-style marble-covered bathroom feels timeless, with a walk-in shower and a box of completely biodegradable freebies; dental kit, comb, loofah, vanity and shaving kit. Even the coffee pods were biodegradable.
I arrived to find macaroons in my room which was a very warm welcome. The street view was nothing to write home about but I actually found the gentle rumble of passing trams quite soothing. With prices starting from £190, this felt like a reasonable price for such luxury. Other room options include the Modern Rooms, Chapel Suite and Chapel Loft with its own piano, costing over £1000 a night.
Which are the best restaurants at Stradom House?
Hedwig’s bar is the jewel of the hotel and will have you looking up the whole time. The original chapel ceiling is hard to miss and, despite renovation, has managed to retain its archaic charm. Dangling from the aged ceiling is a rather extravagant 500-kilogramme chandelier. As for the menu, there are plenty to choose from but I recommend the Eagle Has Landed cocktail, made with spinach and matcha. There is also the wine cellar attached to Hedwig’s, with the original medieval brickwork and a selection of local and international wines.
Gaia, the chic Italian restaurant with wooden walls and green hues, is a snug, sleek place to dine. My lunchtime bruschetta was super fresh, and the included breakfast was generous. Pastries, cakes, cold cuts of Polish meats and even a block of honeycomb made up the buffet, along with a menu of cooked options. Considering the price to stay, I was surprised to find that freshly squeezed juice cost extra. Stradomska is another restaurant attached to the hotel that offers Polish fine dining and follows a similar 1920s design.
What is the service like at Stradom House?
The service matches the atmosphere, sophisticated yet warm. As you would expect, the bar and restaurant staff were attentive, professional and always keen to give suggestions. The concierge – described to me as a Kraków encyclopedia – has over 20 years experience and will answer any questions you have about the area. Stradom House is an expert at the little details such as the gifts and welcome message on the TV which really took the service to the next level.
What is the spa like at Stradom House?
Salt is the mark of Stradom House. This is certainly true in their spa, literally named Sól (salt in Polish). Sól Aqua features a 20-metre pool, infrared salt sauna, bio sauna, steam room, relaxation room with singing bowls, and even a cryotherapy pool. The greenly-lit swimming pool, stone walls and muted earthy tones give the space a natural, Roman bathhouse feel, and the Sól Bar with juices, bowls and protein smoothies is a very nice touch.
A range of treatments are available. I went for the 90-minute deep tissue massage followed by the signature Alexandra Soveral method, a facial treatment that isn’t available anywhere else in Poland. After applying a variety of scrubs, creams and oils, and hot and cold stones, to my face, the masseuse then gave me a very relaxing facial massage. I think she even brushed my face at one point. It was great.
There is also a well-equipped gym with free weights, machines and calisthenics equipment. Six different work spaces are dotted around the hotel – I especially loved the Story Room, a library decorated with vintage trinkets and a chessboard in the centre.
What’s the area like around Stradom House?
Super central – Stradom is just 100 metres from Wawel Castle and 10 minutes from the Old Town, so you’re right in the thick of it. The neighbourhood is quiet and very safe, and is just on the cusp of Kazimierz district, the highly-visited Jewish Quarter. A nearby bar that I really loved is Eszeweria, a candlelit shabby chic bar with an enchanting garden. As for restaurants, the Michelin-recommended Karakter was mentioned to me many times by locals. A tram route runs along the street making it easy to get around the city, although expect to hear it passing by if you have a streetside room.
Why you should you book a stay at Stradom House
Stradom House oozes with history and charm, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day in the city. With the Soveral spa treatments, great bar and many, many working spaces, this is a no-brainer for business trips. Either way, you can expect a lavish experience from start to finish.
I recommend booking a heritage room for classic, luxurious style, but if you can afford it, the Chapel Loft is spectacular. But even amongst the high prices, some rooms are pretty affordable, especially off-season. Whichever you choose, you get what you pay for here: pure indulgence.
DETAILS
Address: 12-14 Stradomska street, 31-058 Kraków
Price: Starting from £170 per night
Closest transport: Krakow train station is a 10-minute drive and the metro stops just outside.
Book now: Via Booking.com